Viva Tropical

We talk to fellow travel lover Matthew Brumley and find out how he got started in the expedition business. Founder of Earthbound Expeditions, Matthew talks candidly about what has worked for him and how he comes up with creative ideas that provide unique travel experiences. He gives insight into why Costa Rica is one of his chosen destinations and how visiting Cuba is like Time Travel. If you ever thought about creating a travel based business or were just interested in traveling with small group of people this discussion will inspire you.

Brian O'Dea comes back on to finish his story of what it was like to be a professional smuggler.  This time around we get to discuss some of the nitty gritty details about chance encounters, strategy, and the steps that led to smuggling and, then, selling $300,000,000 of marijuana. Tune in now and hear what led to the biggest drug deal in U.S. history at the time it went down.  There is no doubt why his story is beign fast-tracked to a major motion picture and will probably be a big hit.  

Eric Youngren, Off-Grid Expert, returns to expand our knowledge and this time we focus on creating an off-grid escape. Last time Eric joined the show we discussed what you need to know before even thinking about living off the grid. This time we discuss how to evaluate locations based on their ability to produce energy. We also talk about how each of the big three technologies, solar, wind, and hydro, could help you create your own off-grid retreat. Some of the most incredible locations in Central America are off the grid, so what are you waiting for – listen to this and then go find your perfect getaway.

Josh talks to Eduardo Carillo, Jaguar expert and professor at University of Costa Rica.The Jaguars name comes from the Native American word meaning, “he who kills with one blow.”Eduardo has been studying their behavior for over 25 years and shares his knowledge from the field. Tune in and listen as he shares what he has learned and how his career began with a chance encounter with a Jaguar on a beach. Also what is being done to protect this species from extinction and what you can do help. We think you will agree this cat is one of the most fascinating and elusive inhabitants of the rain forest.

We talk to Phil Flanagan, world traveler and overland expert. Phil sourced and converted a european van to travel world for less than $18,000 USD. He then proceeded to drive across Europe, Asia, North America then South America for the ensuing 5-6 years. In this episode Phil teaches you how to do it too, where to find a car and his minimalistic approach to maximum travel experience. The travel legends were able to to travel this way for $50 a day, this includes food for both of them, maintenance, gas, everything else. Tune and hear their inspiring story.

Christopher Minster, Latin American History expert, discusses the Maya. The ancient culture that developed reading writing and a complex society in around Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras. He talks about their beliefs, their fascination with all things celestial and if they also sacrificed humans like the Aztecs. Christopher and Josh also talk about their favorite Mayan ruins why you should visit these sites today. Tune in and learn something new.

3 new people, 3 new places. We talk to Mike Cobb, long time developer in Nicaragua about the real estate climate in the beautiful country. His project Gran Pacifica is located there and he also explains why the lifestyle is so attractive to expats.Panama! Lucy Haines, founder of Panama Realtor the largest broker in Panama joins the show to give her unique perspective on where to look in Panama and why. And last but certainly not least, we head to one of the hottest real estate markets in Costa Rica, Nosara. Josh discusses why this place is so popular with local Jeff Grosshandler of First Choice Remax, Usually low prices drive the market, but this place isn't cheap, so we do the deep dive into the market to find out why it is what it is.

Park joins the show to discuss his recent trip to Medellin, Colombia with his boys. Park examines the good and bad from the trip and compares his experience there to the rest of Central America. Not to be outdone, Josh recounts his recent trip to El Salvador and breaks down how the country fits into the scope of Central America real estate investment. The business partners also catch up on the recent elections in Panama and what has been happening on Boca Chica Island.

Surfing is a perplexing sport when it comes to training, on the one had if you are near the waves you can just surf. On the other hand how do you train for surfing waves on land? The sport is unique in that you ride something that is moving, but how do you replicate thosese conditions on land? What type of training can you do that will improve your skills in the water? Learn how when we are talk to Anthony Sasso creator of the program Fit2shred, he has created a program to that will help any surfer get stronger and better in the water.  

Esteban Pereira joins the show to discuss Biodynamic Farming. He explains what in the world Biodynamic farming means and how anyone can get started today. The practice originated from talks by Ruldolf Steiner who was also the creator of Waldorf Schools. Biodynamics was also the system that eventually lead to our current Organic Standards you will see it is an all encompassing system that is as incredible as it is diverse. If you ever think about growing your own food and living off the land then this show is a great one for you.

Frank Ahearn, disappearing expert and "Digital Hitman" joins the show to talk about privacy and how to disappear in a digital world that tracks everything. A former Skip Tracer, his old job used to be to find people and now he uses that experience to keep things hidden. Tune and hear a fascinating perspective while learning to use the information to protect yourself. Also learn why you have a chance when you move overseas to create a buffer that gives you a chance to distance your self from your current internet habits.

Everything you need to know about Panama residency, visas, and beyond. Ricardo Faraudo an attorney from the DENFAB firm joins todays show. He specializes in expat immigration and details all the options you have when moving to Panama. There is even one option that comes with a Panamanian passport, so find out what option is best for you or if you even need to apply for residency.

The Central America Real Estate report is part of series that hops around Central America to hear on the ground intel, reports, and data you can use in your hunt for Real Estate. In this episode we interview 3 brokers from 3 different countries, starting in Costa Rica, then on to Roatan, Honduras, and finally Lake Atitlan Guatemala. Topics of discussion include what is happening in these real estate markets. Where are the opportunities? How much does it cost to build? We also try and develop some historical context to give you insight on what is happening now in terms of prices and momentum. Download to start learning how things work in each of these unique places. and if they are the right options for you.  

Author Buddy Levy joins the show to discuss his book Conquistador: Hernan Cortes, King Montezuma, and the Last Stand of the Aztecs We discuss the story of a driven conquistador and what lead to the defeat of an Aztec king. We are sure you will be entertained by the true story that ultimately became one of histories most intriguing meetings between two very different cultures. Listen to this can’t miss episode and learn what it felt like to be in Mexico 500 years ago.

Founder of Nomad Capitalist Andrew Henderson joins us for a candid conversation about protecting your assets, where to get a second passport and why you need to protect yourself. You may think you are well protected, but Andrew explains that if all your eggs are in one basket you really aren’t safe.

Author Martin Mitchinson tells us what it was like spending 18 months in the Darien Gap of Panama. The Darien is a roadless jungle covered gap of land that stretches from the Caribbean to the Pacific ocean covering the edge of the Panama Columbia border. It is not the biggest undeveloped jungle area but it is probably the most dangerous. People who know where it is stay away based on a history of FARC kidnappings and the fact it is home to those who don't want to be found. Martin tells how he ended up in the Darien and why it wasn't as dangerous as people say. Tune in and listen to the experiences that lead to a book called The Darien Gap, Travels in the rainforest in Panama.

Entrepreneur Karl Spaeth joins the show. Learn how he built a business with one product that supports his lifestyle and even got him discovered by the head of a company that just sold to Starbucks. His future is bright and it is all because of his product Temple of the White Dog ginger beer and hard work. Find out how he grew his business and get inspired to create your own expat business when you move down to the Latin Tropics. 

Author, Ayahuasca, and Plan Expert Jonathon Miller Weisberger joins us from his lodge located deep in the jungle of the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica. His book Rainforest Medicine is a classic study on the subject of plant medicine as used in indigenous cultures, specifically Ayahuasca and the Secoya people from the upper amazon. Find out how this plant has been being used since 2000 BC.

Park Wilson, professional real estate investor, founder of Viva Tropical, Emerging Terrains Investment and Island owner joins the show. You may not know him, but he is Josh’s business partner and today they talk about everything you need to know about investing in real estate that they have learned over the last 20 years. This is a can’t miss episode for anyone considering buying or investing in Central America. Subscribe to the Vivatropical.com mailing list and receive their free 55 page e-book on how to invest called Pay Dirt! on the show notes page http://vivatropical.com/panama/podcast-the-ultimate-guide-for-central-america-real-estate-investment-part-1/

Andrea Pignataro is todays guest, an attorney who specializes in residency for Costa Rica. Get the inside information straight from the source. We discuss everything you need to know about residency from the different options to costs involved, to if you even need residency at all. In this detailed discussion you will learn what is involved in the process and how to hire the right professional.